Victor and I made our way through the grand campus of Andosa College, the air around us buzzing with the excited chatter of students, the sound of footsteps echoing against the cobblestone paths. The main courtyard was bustling with activity, a diverse mix of students dressed in robes, armor, or casual attire, each marking their unique paths of study—mages, warriors, scholars.
The path wound through lush gardens, the greenery impeccably manicured, dotted with vibrant flowers that shimmered with faint magical energy. Statues of past heroes and scholars stood proudly, their marble surfaces gleaming in the afternoon light, each one capturing a moment of strength or inspiration.
The air was fresh, infused with the scent of blossoms and the distant murmur of running water from a small stream that twisted its way across the campus.
The buildings themselves were magnificent, their architecture a blend of elven grace and human ingenuity, with tall arches, elegant carvings, and stained glass windows that reflected the light in a myriad of colors.
Towering spires seemed to touch the sky, and banners bearing the emblem of Andosa—an intricate crest with a dragon coiled around an open book—fluttered gently in the breeze.
As we walked, I noticed a group of beast kin students practicing in a small field, their ears and tails swaying as they engaged in a sparring match.
In another area, a group of demon kin were gathered around a levitating platform, working on what looked like a complex magical experiment. It was fascinating—all these different races, all coming together in pursuit of knowledge and power.
We finally made our way to the East Wing, following the Dean's instructions. The dorm building was smaller compared to some of the others, but it was charming, with ivy climbing up its stone walls and flowers lining the entrance.
The front door was carved with delicate symbols that seemed to shimmer faintly, warding runes most likely, and as we stepped inside, we were met with a comfortable warmth.
The hallway was quiet, and we could hear our footsteps echoing softly as we moved towards our assigned room. When we reached our door, I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of everything beginning to settle in.
It wasn't just about finding a bond or passing the Dean's test—it was about proving myself, about making my own way in a world that demanded strength and resilience.
We opened the door and stepped inside. The room was spacious, with two beds on either side, a desk for each of us, and a large window that let in plenty of natural light.
I glanced at the two beds and then at Victor, a teasing smile forming on my lips. "You know, we won't be needing both beds," I said, raising an eyebrow.
Victor's face turned a light shade of pink, and he cleared his throat awkwardly. "Uh, well, I guess that's true," he replied, scratching the back of his head with a small smile. "But at least we'll have extra space."
Each desk was equipped with a small enchanted lamp that emitted a soft, steady glow, perfect for late-night studying. A couple of shelves lined the walls, and a small rune-inscribed heater stood in the corner, ready to adjust the room temperature at our will.
There was also a self-filling water basin on a wooden stand, enchanted to provide fresh, clean water at any time, along with a small cabinet that contained everyday magical tools—a wand for lighting candles, a charmed broom for cleaning, and a quill that could write dictated notes.
The simplicity of the room was balanced by the presence of these magical conveniences, making it feel both comfortable and advanced. It was simple, but it felt like it could be home—at least for now.
Just as we were about to start exploring, there was a knock on the door. I exchanged a curious glance with Victor before walking over to open it.
Standing there was a young man, perhaps a few years older than us, with short brown hair and a friendly smile. He was dressed casually, and next to him stood what could only be his bond—a reptilian humanoid creature with emerald green scales and sharp, intelligent eyes.
"Hey there," the young man greeted, his tone warm. "You must be the new students. I'm Aaron, second-year advanced student."
He gestured to his bond, who gave us a respectful nod. "And this here is Zorrak. We live next door. Just wanted to say hi and welcome you."
I smiled, feeling some of the tension ease from my shoulders. "Thanks, Aaron. I'm Lyra, and this is Victor. It's nice to meet you."
Aaron's eyes brightened, and he looked genuinely pleased. "Likewise. If you need any help settling in, or if you have questions about the campus, just let me know. And don't be shy—most of the people around here are friendly enough."
Victor stepped forward, giving a polite nod. "We appreciate it, Aaron. We're still trying to get a sense of the place."
Aaron chuckled. "Yeah, it can be a bit overwhelming at first. But you'll get used to it. Just take it one day at a time." He gave us an encouraging grin.
"Anyway, I won't keep you. Just wanted to say hello. We'll probably see each other around."
With that, Aaron and Zorrak gave us a final nod and headed back to their room. I closed the door, turning back to Victor with a small smile.
"Well," I said, glancing around the room, "seems like we've already made our first friend."
Victor returned the smile,"Yeah. Now let's get settled in. We've got a lot of work ahead of us."